Adrian ChewWhat do Disneyland, Legoland and Universal Studios have in common? They are all well-known theme parks located in various countries across the globe. However, you don’t need to travel far to find an awesome amusement park because there are various theme parks you can visit in Malaysia.
Go on epic roller-coaster rides, splash away in large pools, meet your favourite cartoon characters, and pose for a selfie with well-known “celebrities.” You can do all these and more in Malaysia’s theme parks.
1. MAPS Perak
Image credit: MAPS Perak Official Website
Movie Animation Park Studio of Perak or also known as MAPS Perak is the first of its kind in Asia. It is a brand new theme park which opened late June 2017. There are over 40 attractions in six different themed zones.
Image credit: MAPS Perak Official Website
Among the notable attractions based on DreamWorks Animation are The Smurfs, The Croods, Megamind, Mr. Peabody & Sherman’s as well as Casper. Kids and adults will surely be entertained seeing their favourite childhood cartoon characters come to life.
The local cartoon character, BoBoiBoy, is quite popular among Malaysians since BoBoiBoy is a local superhero. You are welcome to take pictures with all the cartoon characters, so make sure you get a photo with each one!
Image credit: MAPS Perak Official Website
The six zones at MAPS Perak are the Live Action Zone, Animation Square, Lakeside Zone, Blast Off Zone, Fantasy Forest Zone, and Dream Zone. Daredevils or stunt enthusiasts also have a dedicated attraction for them in the Stunt Legend Arena where they can watch car and motorcycle stunt shows. As you explore zone after zone, you will realise that the fun truly never ends!
Address: 3, Persiaran Meru Raya, 31200 Ipoh, Perak
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday (10am-6pm), Saturday-Sunday (10am-10pm)
Duration: About three hours
2. Sunway Lagoon
Image credit: Sunway Lagoon Facebook Official Page
Up next is the winner of ‘Best Theme Attraction (Malaysia)‘ in the TripZilla Excellence Awards 2019! Sunway Lagoon has won numerous local and international awards since opening to the public in 1993. It is easily accessible from various highways as well as from the transportation hub in Klang Valley. The theme park has added many attractions over the years and visitors keep increasing tremendously.
Image credit: Sunway Lagoon
There are six different parks and over 90 attractions at Sunway Lagoon for kids and families to enjoy a whole day while at the theme park. The parks are Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon, Water Park, Wildlife Park, Scream Park, Extreme Park and Amusement Park.
The Vuvuzela ride | Image credit: Sunway Lagoon
The large water ride, Vuvuzela, is one of the most known attractions among locals and tourists, and is great for families with younger children. Another attraction you need to experience is the FlowRider, the first surf simulator in the country. Also, not to be missed is the 5D Waterplexx.
Address: 3, Jalan PJS 11/11, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday (10am-6pm)
Duration: Around four hours
3. Wet World Water Park Shah Alam
Image credit: Wet World Water Park Shah Alam Official Website
Wet World Water Park was constructed near the Shah Alam Lake Garden in 1996, and is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Entrance fees are also reasonable compared to other water parks in Malaysia. Wet World Park is more than just a family-oriented water park, it’s a place to build one’s confidence and promote teamwork. Whether it’s on weekends, public holidays, or during the weekdays, kids and adults enjoy this park to the fullest.
Image credit: Tourism Selangor Official Website
The park features activities and rides such as the Pirate Challenge, Super Hurricane, Bermuda Triangle, Thunder River and Whirlwind Escape. The water park is not just a theme park, but also a venue for birthday parties or family gatherings. If you’re in the mood for coffee and snacks, you can drop by their Wet World Café for some delicious treats.
Address: Persiaran Dato Menteri, Seksyen 14, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday (10am-6pm)Duration: About one hour
4. Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park
Image credit: Tourism Johor Official Website
Johor Bahru has its own water park too, the Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park which is an exotic tropical themed water park.
The three main zones include the Sports & Leisure Park, Water Park and Discovery Park. In the Sports & Leisure Park zone you can play some games, go go-karting or skate in the ice rink.
You’ll have even more fun in the Water Park zone with rides such as Lazy River, Splash World, Rainbow Hood, Austin Wave Pool and many others. Discovery Park is another unique and challenging zone with obstacles like the Rope Crossing, Zipline and Rope Trapez.
The facilities provided by the water park management will surely impress you too. You can opt to stay at the unique Tropical Cabana for a couple of days or just for a night. For picnic goers, relax and enjoy food and drinks at Summer Breeze Bar.
Address: 71, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday (10am-10pm)
Duration: About three hours
5. Legoland Malaysia
Image credit: milst1
If you’re still fond of the Lego blocks you played with when you were a small kid, then Legoland Malaysia will definitely unleash the kid in you. Opened in 2012 in Iskandar Puteri, Johor Bahru, it is the first theme park based on Lego figurines and Lego blocks in Malaysia, and is the only such theme park in Asia to date.
Image credit: LEGOLAND Malaysia Facebook Official Page
The popular attractions at the theme park are Legoland Water Park, roller coaster rides and various shows. Take a tour around the theme park and admire the huge sized Lego figurines as well as popular landmarks constructed using Lego blocks. You can even meet your favourite character of the Lego animated series at the theme park, such as Batman and Star Wars characters.
The theme park has various sections like Imagination, Lego Ninjago World, and Miniland. Recently, the theme park also just introduced its new Virtual Reality roller-coaster ride. Since the entire theme park is huge, you can book your accommodation and stay for a night at Legoland Hotel.
Address: 7, Jalan Legoland, Medini, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday (10am-6pm), Friday-Sunday (10am-7pm)
Duration: About four hours
6. Berjaya Times Square Theme Park
Image credit: Cmglee
Shop, dine, and have fun while at Berjaya Times Square. It is not just a huge shopping mall but it also has a superb indoor theme park which is the second largest indoor theme park in Asia as well as the largest entertainment destination in the region.
Image credit: Jeremy Thompson
There are about 14 rides in the entire theme park. For starters, look for the Fantasy Garden on the 7th floor of the mall. The rides at this zone are meant for families and kids. Among them are Molly-Cool’s Swing, Botanic Drive, and Honey Bump.
After that, you can move on to another zone, which is the Galaxy Station where you’ll find The Supersonic Odyssey, Dizzy Izzy, Spinning Orbit and many others. The rides here mostly are meant for older kids and adults. Take note that the roller coaster ride is not for everyone. So, if you are afraid of heights and have certain health conditions, do not take the risk.
Address: Berjaya Times Square, 1, Jalan Imbi, Imbi 55100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday (12pm-10pm), Saturday-Sunday (11am-10pm)
Duration: Around three hours
7. Lost World of Tambun
Image credit: Shafika Tahir
Up north of Peninsular Malaysia, there is a theme park where you can take a dip in a natural hot spring. The Lost World theme park is not located in Penang or Kedah but in Ipoh city.
Image credit: Colin Goh
One of the reasons why this park is also a crowd puller is due to the various local and international awards it has won over the years. Open to the public since 2004, it has seven attractions in its entire area: Hot Springs & Spa by Night, Lost World Water Park, Lost World Adventure Park, Lost World Amusement Park, Lost World Tin Valley, Lost World Petting Zoo, and the Lost World Tiger Valley.
Address: 1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway, Sunway City, 31550 Ipoh, Perak
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday-Sunday (11am-11pm), Closed on Tuesday
Duration: Around four hours
8. Gambang Water Park
Image credit: Bukit Gambang Resort City Facebook Official Page
Head to East Coast and look for a resort city called Bukit Gambang Resort City. There is a huge water park in the resort city. Located in the state of Pahang, Bukit Gambang Water Park is a rare and stunning water park in Malaysia. It is constructed in a lush secondary jungle.
Image credit: Ahmad Hafiz Abd Halim Azmi
There are three main zones in Bukit Gambang Water Park: Tree Top Hill Slides, Coco Island and Penguin Island.
Among the attractions at the Tree Top Hill Slides Zone are Family Raft Ride, Crystal Slide and Canopy Slide. Do not just spend time in one zone. Coco Island zone also has plenty of fantastic attractions like the Wave Pool & Lagoon. The Penguin Island zone, on the other hand, is where both adults and kids will have plenty of fun as there are various water slides to choose from.
Address: Utama Bukit Resort City, Jalan Bukit Gambang Resort, 26300 Gambang, Pahang
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday-Thursday (10.30am-6.30pm), Friday-Sunday (9.30am-6.30pm), Closed on Tuesday
Duration: Around two hours
9. Melaka Wonderland
Image credit: Chongkian
Melaka has numerous water parks. Apart from A’Farmosa Resort, there is another theme park in Ayer Keroh, the Melaka Wonderland theme park.
Opened in 2010, there are about 16 attractions in the entire theme park. It is not just a theme park for all age groups but also a resort for families to stay for a couple of days. Be it locals or international travellers, Melaka Wonderland is the complete water park experience in Malaysia. Surrounded by natural recreational forest, kids, teenagers and adults can enjoy the Adventure Island, Tornado Chaser, Big Wave Pool, Lazy Cum Crazy River and many other rides.
Address: Lot PT17178, Lebuh Ayer Keroh, Hang Tuah Jaya, 75450 Ayer Keroh, Malacca
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday (11am-7pm), Saturday-Sunday (9am-7pm), Closed on Monday
Duration: About four hours
10. Escape
Image credit: Escape Facebook Official Page
Are you up for a challenge? Then, start your journey in Escape. This theme park is one of Penang’s top attractions. It is not only well-known in Malaysia, but globally too.
Located in Teluk Bahang, Penang, there are various rides in Escape theme park suitable for both kids and adults. The high ropes course is one of its most popular attractions, but of course, it’s only for those who are brave enough to face their fear of heights. If you are an extreme sports enthusiast and ready to challenge yourself, go for it.
Image credit: Cmglee
You’ll also find ziplines in the park and you can choose among different levels depending on your preference. It’s one way to exercise overcoming your fears and build up your confidence. There are also dedicated camping sites in Escape for interested campers.
Address: 828, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang 11050, Teluk Bahang, Pulau Pinang
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday (10am-6pm), Closed on Monday
Duration: Around six hours
11. Tropical Village
Image credit: Tourism Johor Official Website
Make your way to Johor and look for the Ayer Hitam signage at the southern part of the state. There is one theme park you should visit while you are here and it is none other than the Tropical Village. There are four sections in this theme park, namely, the Agricultural Enclosure, Landmarks, Playground, and Leisure Corner.
Image credit: Tropical Village Ayer Hitam Johor Facebook Official Page
It is a great place for kids and families to spend the weekend and vacation together. There are various imitations of landmarks from all over the world at the Tropical Village. You won’t need to travel overseas anymore to see the Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty. You’ll find these “monuments” here, and the whole experience can be quite educational for your kids!
More of the major attractions are the Garden of the Shy Monkey, Dinosaur Train, Mini Malaysia, and the Haunted House. Did you know that you can even stay the night at Tropical Village? You can rent a dormitory and spend a day or two exploring the whole theme park. Drive from Singapore or board a bus from Larkin Sentral in Johor Bahru to reach this wonderful attraction.
Address: Batu 56 ½ Jalan Johor, 86100, Ayer Hitam, Johor
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday (9am-7pm)
Duration: Around two hours
12. A’Farmosa Resort
Image credit: A’ Farmosa Resort Official Website
A’Farmosa is a well-known Portuguese fort in Malacca. There is even a theme park and resort named after the fort. Surrounded by lush countryside and rolling hills, the theme park is one of the top family getaways during holidays in this region.
Image credit: A’ Farmosa Resort Official Website
There are plenty of attractions throughout the theme park, among them are The Water Theme Park, Old West and Safari Wonderland. If you want to extend your vacation, you do not need to look for accommodations outside of the park. Book one of the rooms at Condotel and Villas or Resort Hotel located inside the theme park.
Address: Jalan Kemus, Simpang Empat, 78000 Alor Gajah, Malacca
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday-Friday (11am-7pm), Saturday-Sunday (9am-7pm), Closed on Tuesday
Duration: Around four hours
13. 20th Century Fox World (formerly Genting Outdoor Theme Park)
Image credit: Kuala Lumpur by Hotel.com
The most anticipated theme park in Asia and Malaysia is the 20th Century Fox World. It is expected to open later in 2018 or early 2019. In total, there will be 25 different attractions and rides in the theme park. Most of the attractions and rides are based on international franchises and films like Titanic, Rio, Alien vs. Predator, Ice Age, Planet of the Apes, Life of Pi, Night at the Museum, as well as many others.
The theme park is located in the famous Genting Highlands Resort in Pahang. Stay tuned for the latest updates from Genting Highland’s website.
Address: Genting Highlands Resort, Genting Highlands 69000, Malaysia
BONUS: This is not a theme park per se, but it’s fun for the kids
(and educational, too!)
KidZania Kuala Lumpur
Image credit: KidZania Kuala Lumpur Facebook Official Page
As kids discover new things, parents will want to expose them to more educational programmes. You would never imagine roleplay as a possible tool for education, but that is what KidZania Kuala Lumpur is all about. It is more than just a theme park because kids between the ages of four to 14 can now have “real-life” experiences while at the theme park.
Image credit: Kidzania Kuala Lumpur Official Website
At the theme park, there are over 60 establishments for the kids to immerse themselves in. They can realise their dream of becoming a lawyer, doctor, teacher or scientist through interactive roleplay. In addition to that, kids will be equipped with financial literacy, be independent, develop certain skills as well as value the importance of teamwork through the roleplay.
Parents can also join in the fun as there is a wide range of activities or workshops to participate in. Parents can become an audience, go for sewing classes and many more.
Address: Curve NX, 18, Jalan PJU 7/5, Mutiara Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday (10am-5pm), Closed on Monday
Duration: About six hours
You’ll have endless fun in the theme parks we mentioned above! These are the best places for you to release stress, scream your lungs out and and spend quality time with your kids and loved ones. So, keep the exciting momentum going in 2018 and have an unforgettable time at Malaysia’s amazing theme parks!
